The theater lights had already dimmed when we took our seats in the grand IMAX auditorium. Swelling music filled our ears and the huge screen glowed with images of sweeping grasslands, canyons, forests, and rivers. The film was about the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, two legendary explorers who ventured into the wilds of the American west in the early 19th century, when the United States was still in its infancy. They traveled thousands of miles on foot and by boat to the US west coast, in what is now the US state of Oregon, with the help of Native American tribes. Along the way, they sent back reports and specimens to President Thomas Jefferson.

Watching this film about Lewis and Clark’s expedition, I was awed by the images of the landscape through which they traveled. It hit me in that moment that I’d been to countries all around the world and yet there was a huge swath of my own country that I hadn’t seen. I resolved to remedy that—a resolution I’ve stuck to in the intervening years through many a weekend getaway and numerous road trips, including a cross-country drive in the middle of winter.

The United States is a BIG country with a LOT to see. Each region has its own character and, in many cases, its own regional accent. Throughout the country, you’ll find the same fast food chains, shops like Target and Walmart, and lots of churches, which are still the heart of smaller towns. I hope you’ll also find friendly people, even if they do only speak English and may not be able to point out France on a map.

Here are some posts and helpful tips about destinations in the United States.

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9 Reasons to Visit North & South Dakota
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Imagine falling asleep to only the sound of the wind. Imagine waking up not to an alarm but to the sound of birds and the tickle of sunlight on your eyelids. Imagine being in the middle of hypnotically undulating prairie … Read More

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Snapshot: Paddling the Potomac
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“Who can do 500 pull-ups?” our guide asked, holding up his hand. The group laughed uncertainly and no one responded. “If you want to do the equivalent of 500 pull-ups tonight, go ahead and paddle with your arms. If you … Read More

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How to Spend a Weekend in San Antonio, TX
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San Antonio gives the impression of being in the midst of an identity crisis. Shiny refurbished Art Deco buildings aproned by clean sidewalks stand in the midst of blocks of boarded up pawn shops and tattoo parlors, their sidewalks gathering … Read More

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Five Active Alternatives to Washington, DC, Monuments and Museums
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Washington, DC, is known by those who live here as the land of overachievers. After all, you don’t get a job on Capitol Hill by settling for a B+. This penchant for uber-excelling professionally and academically also extends to residents’ … Read More

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Florida: Beyond Beaches & Theme Parks
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For years I have been trying to convince my family to do a destination Christmas someplace warm. I’m not a fan of winter and love the idea of being able to celebrate Christmas without having to don enough layers to … Read More

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8 Rainy Day Activities in Washington, DC
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April showers bring May flowers and in Washington, DC, April also brings busloads of tourists who want to See the Sights. If you find yourself in Washington, DC, on a rainy day in April or any other time of the … Read More

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Sanibel Island, Florida: The Good, the Wonderful, and the Downright Weird
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When the mercury drops and more days are gray than sunny, my thoughts always turn to Florida. I’ve been making winter pilgrimages to this southern US state for so many years now that it’s become a tradition. Sometimes, I even … Read More